Pedal Away!

How accurate are the calorie readouts on exercise bikes? It seems like no matter how hard I pedal, I always get the same calorie readout!

Most of the time, exercise machines overestimate calories rather than underestimate them. So, it's best to take your readout with a (virtual) grain of salt. The next time you get on that bike for a 30-minute workout, add another five minutes to your ride and increase the training level.

Another thing to try: Plug in a body weight that's a little lower than yours. This will result in a lower calorie readout, one that's probably more in line with your actual weight.